Sanju Samson has finally slipped out into the Chennai Super Kings franchise ahead of the 2026 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The India wicket-keeper batter came into the five-time champions’ side having been traded for a price of INR 18 crore as the Super Kings have let go of their experienced campaigner, Ravindra Jadeja, and all-rounder Sam Curran. 

In a video posted by the Chennai Super Kings on social media platforms, Sanju Samson opened up on the long-awaited moment. He admitted that the move had been a powerful emotional story as he wore the number 11 yellow jersey for the very first time.

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“I have been waiting for this day, and I am very fortunate that I am going to wear the yellow jersey. I always am in my dark colours like black, blue, brown, but not yellow. Definitely, I think it's a great feeling. To wear that jersey, I never thought about how I would feel after wearing CSK. It felt positive, and I felt very happy. It felt different, like a different energy. I felt like a champion. I felt like, okay, wow!!” Samson said in the video.

Watch: Sanju Samson shares emotional story on IPL 2026 trade to CSK

Samson has overall smashed 4704 runs in 172 innings of the IPL at an average of 30.94 with a strike rate of nearly 140, with the help of three centuries and 26 half-centuries at the best score of 119 runs. Apart from the 285 runs last year, Samson has crossed the 300-run mark in every single season since 2017.

"Felt like a champion.” – Sanju
In Yellove, the spirit chooses you 💛 #WhistlePodu #Yellove 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/Eh4S0G5Am9

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) November 19, 2025

Overall in the T20s, the 31-year-old has collected 7763 runs in 296 innings. The right-handed batter got this record at an average of around 30 and a strike rate of 136.72 with the help of six centuries and 49 half-centuries at the best score of 119.

Samson is likely to bat at number three in the department for the Super Kings, while Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ayush Mhatre are likely to open the batting. Samson will be a massive person in the south come this March when he turns up at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.